Travel insurance typically covers unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, lost or stolen luggage, and flight delays. Coverage details vary by policy, so it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully. 

While travel insurance is not always mandatory, as mentioned above some countries do require visitors to have valid medical insurance coverage. Regardless of legal requirements, having travel insurance is highly recommended for financial protection against unforeseen events. 

Most travel insurance providers require you to purchase a policy before your trip begins. However, some companies offer policies that can be purchased while you are already traveling, albeit with certain limitations and conditions. 

That said, it is in your interests to get travel insurance as soon as possible, ideal prior to travel, in case of any cancellations or issues that may prevent your trip from going ahead.

Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies between insurers. Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions if they are declared and accepted by the insurer at the time of purchase, while others may exclude them. As always, check your policy wording carefully and, if in doubt, chat to your provider for clarification.<

To make a claim, you'll need to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident – before your return home if possible. Follow their claims process, which typically involves submitting a claim form along with any required documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, or receipts for incurred expenses.

Coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19 or ‘pandemic’ varies by policy and provider. Some insurers offer coverage for COVID-19 related cancellations, while others may exclude pandemics from their coverage. It's essential to check the specific terms of your policy.

Many insurance policies include a cooling-off period, typically around 14 days after purchase, during which you can cancel the policy for a full refund. You will not be able to cancel if your trip has already started or you’ve made a claim.

The cost of travel insurance depends on various factors, including the destination, duration of the trip, age and number of travellers, as well as the level of coverage selected. It's best to compare quotes from different providers to find the best price for your needs. You may also want to consider an annual policy if you travel regularly.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and additional expenses incurred due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Coverage details and exclusions vary, so review your policy carefully. 

Immediately report the loss to the airline, airport authorities, or local police, and obtain a written report. In the best scenarios, you should be reunited with any lost luggage within 24-48 hours. If not, your next step is to contact your travel insurance provider to report the incident and start the claims process, providing all required documentation. 

1. Annual multi-trip insurance: A policy covering an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month period. There are usually restrictions on the length of each trip, typically 30 days.
2. Excess (deductible): The amount you must pay towards any claim. This can be applied per policy or per claim, depending on the insurer's terms. For example, if your excess is £100 and your claim is £300, you will receive £200 back.
3. Exclusion(s): Specific conditions or circumstances that are not covered by the insurance policy. 
4. Policy limit: The maximum an insurer will pay under a policy for a covered loss. 
5. Pre-existing condition: Any medical condition or health issue that was known and existed before the start of the insurance policy. Coverage for such conditions varies by insurer. 
6. Primary coverage: Insurance that pays claims directly and does not require you to first submit them to any other source of insurance you may have. 
7. Secondary coverage: Insurance that only pays claims after any other available source of insurance or recovery has been exhausted. 
8. Single trip insurance: A policy designed to cover one specific trip, with set departure and return dates. 
9. Travel advisory: Official advice issued by government bodies (specifically the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)) regarding the safety of travel to specific destinations, which can affect the validity or coverage of your travel insurance. 
10. Trip cancellation insurance: Coverage for expenses if you need to cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason, as defined in the policy. 
11. Trip interruption insurance: Coverage for expenses if you need to cut your trip short due to an emergency or a covered reason, as defined in the policy. 
12. Medical evacuation insurance (Medevac): Covers the costs of transporting you to a suitable medical facility in case of a medical emergency while traveling. 
13. Repatriation: Coverage for returning you to your home country in case of death or a medical emergency. 
14. Baggage and personal effects cover: Insurance for loss, theft, or damage to your personal belongings during your trip. 
15. Civil unrest: Cover when there is unrest or instability in a country or region that can affect travel plans. Coverage for travel to areas with known/preexisting civil unrest is often limited or excluded. 
16. Direct billing: Arrangements made between the insurer and service providers (such as hospitals) to pay bills directly, so you won’t need to be out of pocket or seek reimbursement later (excluding any excesses).